All you need to know about the updated Google Map API

First off, what even is API?

Don’t let how it sounds scare you; An API simply means an Application Programming Interface. So, a Google Map API is an already programmed app software that allows you to display maps on your website, and that’s all there is to it. Let’s take a brief look at the four primary functions a Google API does;

1. It causes maps to crop up for the user.
2. It provides data about a latitudinal or a longitudinal location.
3. It allows us demand maps from Google.
4. It permits us to request an address from Google.

Google launched its Google Map to our delight thirteen years ago. Ever since then, Google has undergone various transformations and also changed multiple policies. They recently announced an update to their Google Map API, calling it the Google Map Platform- their next generation Google map business. It encompasses API products and new solutions to boost innovation.

So what does the Google Map API update change?

In May this year, Google updated their Google maps API platform where they streamlined eighteen individual APIs into three core products; Maps, Places, and Routes. Google also announced a new pricing scheme for firms making use of the Google Maps APIs to convey customized maps, places and routes exposure for their users. These announcements ended confusing the public the more, so here’s a rundown through the most significant changes and what they connote for prolific users of Google Maps Platform.

1. The new pay as you go model: Google maps API platform will move to a pay as you go arrangement from June 2018. Google gave developers an extra month lead. So while the product’s updates began on the 11th of June 2018, the new pricing took effect from 16th July 2018.

2. First $200 worth of API calls are free: Google’s new pricing policy for their map platform is “freemium” in all shades as every user is entitled to make $200 worth of API calls for no charge each month. In more precise terms, this implies that;

Users can get up to 28,000 worth of free loads of Dynamic maps.

• Users can get up to 40,000 free directions calls.
• Users can get up to 40,000 free Geolocation calls.
• Users can get up to 100,000 free loads of static maps.

3. All projects will need to have an official API key linked to a Credit or Billing card: The scary part for many developers will be the credit card policy. Their cards will be billed if users exceed the number of free API requests.
This change may make many software application developers to seek other alternatives to the Google Map Platform. Users can, however, find solace in the fact that the new map platform offers simplified pricing, scalable solutions, and streamlined products.

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